Daring, fabulous, friendly, outspoken are some of the few words one can use to describe Brendan Van Rhyn, the man who is better known as Cathy Specific to the public. When I first saw him on stage at Mile High as Cathy I seriously thought he was a woman, until my editor Gavin Hayward told me otherwise. He has starred in many shows in including the critically acclaimed Rocky Horror Show as Frank-n-Furter, a performance that earned numerous awards. I met up with him a couple of weeks after he had finished yet another successful run of the Mile High Show. He was an absolute delight and surprisingly very wise. Read on…


Mo: In a nutshell who is Brendan Van Rhyn. What do you do?
Brendan: All I can say is I am an entertainer extraordinaire. I am performer, I love to “light up” a room and make people happy.
Mo: You just finished a successful run of your play Mile High. Tell me about it?
Brendan: Yes we just finished our five week run at the Joburg Civic theatre. Cathy Specific (the main character) is my baby; I spend most of my time as her. People love her and I guess that is why the show has been so successful over the years.
Mo: You sing in Mile High, very well if I should say so. Did you do any training?
Brendan: Music has always been a part of me. I started singing and playing the piano at five. Even when I was in high school at the Pretoria Boys High, I took part in musicals. I initially wanted to be a doctor but after travelling to England and taking part in some musicals, I came back and enrolled at the Tshwane University and studied musical theatre.
Mo: Oh, how long was the programme?
Brendan: It was three years and the day after I finished at Tshwane is the day I got a job as a flight attendant at South African Airways. I only had one day to rest, can you believe that. At least I loved flying so it did not hurt that much. I worked for SAA for six years, 2001 to 2007.
Mo: When I came to see Mile High and I saw you in your blue suit and blonde hair as Cathy, I had no idea you were a man...
Brendan: Yes, you are not the only one; many people thought and still think the same. In fact I get hit on so much as Cathy it’s unbelievable. But then again, Cathy is quite a show stopper in her amazing body and heels (laughs).
Mo: Yes, she is very hot, especially those legs... How have you mastered the art of behaving like a woman and making it so believable?
Brendan: Well Molife, I have been playing dress up since I was about six years old. I would wear my mother’s clothes and heels and run around the yard. I loved it. That said, bringing Cathy alive just happens for me, the moment I put on the heels and lashes I just start behaving like a woman. I become Cathy. It’s something inside me.

A lot of work has gone into creating her. For six years she was in my head, I would wake up in the morning and the first thought I had was about her. I would sleep and the last thought I had was about her. I created her in my head, from how she would speak, dress and act. Cathy is not only restricted to the stage, she is public personality as well. I get invited to corporate functions as Cathy to at times MC; greet guests or just seat in the VIP sections. She is not a drag queen, she is a female impersonation.
Mo: So when do you feel most comfortable as Brendan or as Cathy?
Brendan: I could never choose I am comfortable both as Brendan and as Cathy. Both of them have their own advantages and disadvantages. But I am comfortable either way. In fact the other day I had dinner with people who have been my friends for a while and they were surprised to see me as Brendan. They had always seen me as Cathy, but even then I was comfortable with them. I think what I can say is that Cathy is Brendan’s ultra ego and Brendan is Cathy’s ultra ego.
Mo: How did your parents and friends react to you getting into drag?
Brendan: I am very blessed to have a wonderful family. Oh boy am I blessed! My mother, father and sister were all very supportive of my decision. All they said were praises even when they came to see my performances. Its one thing to be gay but to be gay and be a female impersonator is over the top, but my family still supports and loves me regardless. I am very blessed not many families are that understanding.
I also had a lot of encouragement from my friends; because they knew I was good in acting they motivated me to follow my dreams. So with Mile High I married two of my all time loves; aviation and performance.
Mo: Some of the scenes from Mile High can be considered offensive jokes. Did you get any negative feedback from your audience or the media?
Brendan: I did not get any negative feedback, the audience loved it. The thing is about the play no race gets untouched, we make fun of everybody. My intention even when putting together the performance with Maralin VanRenen (the director), was not to offend, it was to have a good time and make people laugh and happy.
Everything you saw in the play is autobiographical; those are things that I experienced when I used to be an air host. However, at times I can say things that rub people the wrong way because I know I can get away with it. A man in a dress can say a lot and get away with it, look at Evita (laughs).
Mo: What are some of the hurdles you faced along the way and continue to face?
Brendan: I haven’t really had any major challenges that I can think of. Maybe leaving a steady income and getting into something unpredictable? The first time we did Mile High we had no sponsorship and that was not easy. But I understand that the sponsors were skeptical because they did not know us. It is very hard to find somebody who believes in your passion as much as you do. Another challenge is to keep Cathy relevant and reinventing herself.
Mo: If you were to write or be involved in a show with another female impersonator, who would it be?
Brendan: Probably no one because Cathy does not like competition. Cathy travels solo and with her boys sometimes... But is I had to choose I would go with Evita, she and I could do a lovely show and work very well together.
Mo: I am certain you would get on like a “house on fire”...
Brendan: Yes darling we would...
Mo: I read somewhere recently that; “living your passion is the highest form of praise to your creator”, do you agree with this statement?
Brendan: Yes I do, our talent is not only meant to benefit us but other people as well. It took me many years to realize that. I only “got it” at 30. When you do something you love not only do you praise your creator but you never have to work a day in your life. Yes, it is hard work but you will be enthusiastic about your work because it’s your passion.
Mo: Do you have any regrets?
Brendan: No, not serious ones ...I am so sorry I never became a figure skater (Ice skater). I have always found it appealing and I wish I had tried to pursue it. I regret not buying a pair of shoes I saw on sale the other day... Those are my regrets.
Mo: Are you in a relationship at the moment?
Brendan: I am single and by choice. I know what I want and it has not come along and until then, I am happily single. My mother is so eager for me to have a boyfriend and at times I wish for that person to share my joys, successes, failures and pain with. Of course I have friends and family but I do long for that special person who will tell me after seeing my performances for eighty times, that I was great on stage.
There is nothing like being in love and it is a shame that some people have never experienced it. The last time I was in love was when I was 23 and it was beautiful and even though after it ended it took a while to get over the pain, I am glad it happened. However, at times when I look at my friends in relationships, I understand the reason why I am single.
Mo: What are the lessons that life has taught you?
Brendan: 1) Hard work always pays off.2) Patience is a virtue. Things will always work out in their own time. You must learn to wait until the fruit ripens, don’t hurry. 3) A smile goes a long way.5) Family and friends are very important, keep them close to your heart. No amount of money can buy genuine love and support from your loved ones.5) Never give up on your dreams. Always dream big and don’t let people pull you down, even with what they say. My dream is to take Mile High to England and I will. Without dreams there is no reason to work, without work there is no reason to dream.
Mo: What is your advice to people who want to follow their passion and dreams?
Brendan: Never give up; keep your eyes on the finishing line. Do not go around without a plan. A dream doesn’t just happen without a plan; it must have a beginning, middle and an end. Dreams take a lot of planning.
Remember that everything happens in its right time. You must learn to respect time. You must remain true to who you are and what you want. Never ever forget where you came from, always be humble. You must make your dreams happen for yourself.
Mo: Brendan, how would you like to be remembered?
Brendan: As that wonderfully likeable individual that had an incredible effect on people.